can be reopened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be reopened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of something being opened again, such as a discussion, case, or application. Example: "The case was closed, but it can be reopened if new evidence comes to light."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

When the storm surge recedes, the gates can be reopened.

The New York Times

And it's not sure when the list can be reopened.

The New York Times

Should the decision be overturned in court, then it's a discussion that can be reopened.

Independent

No new oil may also mean that other fisheries can be reopened before too long.

The Economist

But regardless of their number, suspended chapters can be reopened only with the unanimous approval of all EU members.

The Economist

"It means that third opinions can be gathered, investigations can be reexamined and cases can be reopened," he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

A final decision on whether the department can be reopen 24 hours a day will be made by Staffordshire's primary care trusts on 8 May.

BBC

With the deterioration of some buildings at Rikers, where most prisoners who are awaiting trials or serving relatively short sentences are housed, it makes sense to use buildings that already exist and can easily be reopened, Ms. Schriro said.

The New York Times

Since an issue can only be reopened after it is closed, which occurs when a patch is tested and commited, one would expect that reopened issues are often associated with a late backout.

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

Old trade deals can and should be reopened to establish stronger international rights for workers and communities.

Huffington Post

"Look at how Ofcom criticized James Murdoch, and it's evident that this isn't necessarily a closed book and that can of worms might be reopened," said Laura Campos, director of shareholder activities at the Nathan Cummings Foundation, which owns 3,686 shares of News Corporation's Class B voting shares.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "can be reopened" when indicating the possibility of resuming or revisiting something after it has been closed or suspended, such as a case, investigation, or discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "can be reopened" excessively in passive voice, as it can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Opt for active voice where appropriate to create a more engaging and direct tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be reopened" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the possibility or potential for something to be opened again. As Ludwig AI points out, it suggests that under certain conditions or circumstances, a previously closed entity or process has the potential to be resumed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Unknown

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be reopened" is a versatile phrase used to express the conditional possibility of resuming something previously closed. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical status is correct, and it is commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. The phrase conveys a neutral tone and is useful for describing situations where a review or resumption is contingent on specific factors. By understanding the contexts and related phrases, you can effectively use "can be reopened" in your writing to convey the possibility of revisiting closed matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be restarted

Focuses on the action of starting again, implying a process or activity.

can be resumed

Emphasizes a continuation after an interruption, suggesting a temporary pause.

can be reactivated

Implies a return to an active state, often from a dormant or inactive condition.

can be reconsidered

Highlights the possibility of reviewing or reevaluating a decision or matter.

can be revisited

Suggests a return to a topic or issue for further examination or discussion.

can be unlocked

Focuses on removing a barrier or restriction, allowing access or progress.

can be restored

Emphasizes bringing something back to a previous condition or state.

can be renegotiated

Implies a renewal of discussions or terms, often in a formal agreement.

can be reinvestigated

Highlights the possibility of conducting a new inquiry or examination.

can be recommenced

Focuses on beginning again, particularly after a formal cessation.

FAQs

How do I use "can be reopened" in a sentence?

You can use "can be reopened" to indicate the possibility of resuming something after it has been closed. For example, "The investigation can be reopened if new evidence emerges."

What's the difference between "can be reopened" and "may be reopened"?

"Can be reopened" suggests a possibility based on certain conditions, while "may be reopened" /s/may+be+reopened indicates permission or likelihood. The subtle difference lies in whether the possibility is conditional or simply allowed.

What can I say instead of "can be reopened"?

Alternatives include "can be restarted", "can be resumed", or "can be reconsidered" depending on the specific context.

Under what circumstances /s/can+a+case+be+reopened?

A case can typically be reopened if new evidence emerges, if there was a procedural error, or if there are compelling reasons to believe that justice was not served.